Lecture 7 - Properties of Waves

Flashcards based on the properties of waves, focusing on wave behavior, electron density, orbitals, and quantum numbers.

What is the fundamental energy in relation to wave behavior?

The baseline/minimum energy that a system possesses, dependent on the degree of confinement.

What do electrons behave as in the context of wave mechanics?

Electrons can be thought of as 3D standing waves.

How is electron density represented mathematically?

Electron density is represented by Ψ², the square of the wavefunction.

What is the significance of nodes in wavefunctions?

More nodes in a wavefunction result in shorter wavelengths, more momentum, and more energy.

What does the 1s orbital represent?

The 1s orbital is a radial function with maximum amplitude at the nucleus.

What is the principle quantum number (n)?

A quantum number that indicates the energy level of an electron in an atom.

How do wavefunctions behave as they approach infinity?

Wavefunctions decay exponentially towards 0 as r approaches infinity.

What does the term 'lobes' refer to in electron density?

Lobes are 3D surfaces that represent constant electron density.

Describe the energy levels in relation to the principal quantum number (n).

As n increases, energy levels have more nodes and a more negative energy value.

What is the lowest energy level for any standing wave?

The fundamental, or first harmonic, which corresponds to 1 half-wavelength.